THE Sawtell Chilli Festival has celebrated one of its most successful events in years, with almost 6,000 people enjoying the spice of life: food, culture, music, and community.
Attendees on Saturday, 4 July enjoyed a packed program of live music, cultural performances, chilli competitions and culinary experiences.
Festival organisers said stallholders reported strong support from the public, with visitors embracing the variety of flavours and market stalls throughout the day.
The event opened at 9.30am with host and comedian Ben Stevenson welcoming festival-goers before activities got under way.
The morning program featured live music from Hometown Revival, followed by a performance from Chasing Winter Sun, who were runners-up in the Sawtell Hotel Talent Quest.
The heat was turned up with the popular Chilli Chicken Wing Eating Competitions, while the Aussie Chilli Eating Championship Final at 11am saw state finalists battle it out in one of the festival’s hottest challenges.
The official welcome at 12.30pm included addresses from Gurmesh Singh MP, George Ceccato from Coffs Council, Amanda Harvey from RAB, and Dale Sagar from Sawtell Chamber of Commerce.
Festival organiser Michael Bryers hailed the event as a huge success for the Sawtell community.
“Almost 6,000 people attended the Chilli Festival,” Michael said.
“It was our most successful event in many years, with large crowds enjoying a beautiful winter’s day in Sawtell. Stallholders reported great support from the public.”
Michael said the entertainment program was particularly well-received by visitors.
“The entertainment program was extremely popular and focused on a strong cultural angle, with the Carnivale Silk Fan Dancers, Latin Dance demonstrations and lessons, New Orleans Horn Band and internationally renowned DJ Moosey spinning Latin and Mexican-inspired sets.”
The Country Women’s Association (CWA) was also proud to again be involved in the event, with Lesley Berry saying members loved being part of the festival each year.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together with the community, meet visitors, and be part of an event that celebrates local food, culture and connection,” Ms Berry said.
“The CWA is always proud to support events like this and we love seeing the festival continue to grow.”
The celebrations continued into the evening at Sawtell Hotel, with live performances from Who’s Charlie and Ultimate Peppers – The Red Hot Chilli Peppers Ultimate Tribute Experience.
The festival will return on Saturday, 3 July 2027.
Michael said next year’s event would continue to expand its cultural focus.
“Next year we will continue to expand the cultural inclusion of the origins of chilli – South America, Mexico, Italy and Asia,” Michael said.
“We will continue to look for ways to improve our event, providing an all-inclusive cultural and cuisine experience for the community.”
By Kate PYE
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